Friday, June 10, 2011

Do I Need Therapy?

Deciding whether or not to start psychotherapy can be tricky. Some questions to ask yourself right off the bat are: 1) What is likely to happen if I do not seek help?
2) What's the worst thing that could happen if I do seek help?

Let me give you a few common reasons why people come in to my office:

Some people are in a strained relationship with a spouse, a parent, a child, or a friend.

Some people experience sadness, anxiety, or anger that does not go away.

Some people are grieving the loss of a loved one due to death or divorce.

Some parents seek counseling for a teen who is moody, explosive, withdrawn, or even suicidal.

Some young mothers experience sadness or fear that interferes with their ability to fully take joy in their little one.

Some people need help with a previously diagnosed mental illness such as Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, or an Anxiety Disorder.

Some people are addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Some people struggle with how to relate to a loved one who has an addiction, a serious mental illness, or a significant physical condition.

Some adults & teens are distressed about the fact they may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Others have positively identified as LGBTQ and are trying to cope with the potential or actual negative responses of family members and friends.

I offer you this list because maybe you will recognize yourself. People seek psychotherapy for many, many reasons. Life may get better without the help of psychotherapy. But why not invite a professional to coach you on how to lighten the burden you are carrying?